Molecular Detection of Lumpy Skin Disease Virus in Malaysia 2021

Abstract

Purpose: Lumpy skin disease (LSD) is an emerging transboundary notifiable viral disease by the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE). A member of Capripoxvirus within the Poxviridae family, LSD virus (LSDV) caused loss of production, infertility, damage to hides and mortality, leading to significant social-economic implications. Originated from the Africa continent, LSD has never been reported in Malaysia before but recently detected in several areas in Asia including Thailand. In May 2021, reports and samples of unknown skin disease in dairy cattle were presented for laboratory diagnosis to confirm provisional LSD clinical diagnosis. This study aims to molecular detects and confirms the causative agent to enable subsequent control measures to be applied. Methods & Materials: Three out of 11 dairy cattle from a dairy farm in Perak were showing clinical signs with nodules spotted on the skin of animals. Skin nodule (n=3) and whole blood (n=11) were sampled and tested for LSDV by PCR to confirm the presence of LSDV nucleic acids. The amplicon obtained was subsequently sequenced by Sanger sequencing. Results: All three skin nodule samples were positive for Capripoxvirus by PCR. The nucleotide sequence homology analysis indicates high nucleotide homology to LSDV, confirming the first molecular detection of LSDV in Malaysia. Conversely, all blood samples were negative for Capripoxvirus by PCR. Conclusion: We detected and confirmed the LSD outbreak in Malaysia. Our result indicates transboundary expansion of LSD in the region. This emphasized the importance of tighten border control and lab preparedness to prevent disease introduction and rapid detection of disease. Following this, surveillance, stamping out of the infected animals, suspended the import of animals from infected country and animal movement were carried out and imposed to contain and control the spreading of LSD.